Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2010

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Here's another old business on Newberry Springs' Route 66 that didn't make it: "Rocks 'n' Stuff"

Date: November 27, 2010, 14h32

Day 8: Newberry Mountains to Barstow by bicycle on Route 66

Last night's wind storm continues today at full speed, so I begrudgingly decide to end the trip a day early and ride back to Barstow instead of staying here for the Newberry Mountains hike that I was looking forward to. 16.6 bicycle miles.

Last night's wind storm, which is still alive, blew a dusting of sand into my tent overnight, and kept me from sleeping well

Awake at 8h, I'm a bit chilled, since the overnight temperature dropped down to freezing and the rain storm added some humidity to the cold air. Still, I'm looking forward to today's hike into the Newberry Mountains. I think.

Date: November 28, 2010, 08h15

I step outside to take care of morning business and it's just as windy as I thought here in the Newberry Mountains foothills

At least the rain clouds are gone. It's a cold, but cheerful, sunny day, except for the wind.

Date: November 28, 2010, 08h19

This desert wind storm seems to be getting a kick out of playing with my flexible tent, just to see what shapes it can make

It seems that the wind is getting worse. Given how many times I woke up overnight, I think I would have noticed if the tent got as flattened as this and threatened to suffocate me.

Date: November 28, 2010, 08h20

I've been up for an hour and a half now, and spent much of that pacing around outside, hoping that the wind will die down a bit

Nice views from here past the freeway below and across the valley. I check the weather forecast: strong wind all today and tomorrow. I don't mind hiking in the wind, but how much of this can my new tent take? Right now, the wind level is bearable.

Date: November 28, 2010, 09h28

Coffee time, I hope: I try heating some water and shelter the burner a little by placing it behind the tent

The windbreak of the tent isn't enough, so the flame keeps going out. I've been suspecting weak pressure in this propane bottle, so I switch to my spare one, and the flame stays lit. Phew, warm beverages and meals are important in cold weather.

Date: November 28, 2010, 09h37

The problem now is that if the tent does fail and blow over, it will surely land on the flame of my propane burner

So I stand outside on guard, pacing, watching my cold water heat up like a bird watching its egg. I'm starting to wonder if my tent will still be here after my planned hike up into the Newberry Mountains in front of me.

Date: November 28, 2010, 09h39

Every time I think the wind is lessening, and that the day will progress nicely after all, another big gust pummels my tent

Strong Mojave Desert winds are common and I expect to eventually encounter and tolerate them whenever I come out here. Wind in Mojave National Preserve's Butcher Knife Canyon bent my former tent's poles in 2008, but the fabric stood up (thanks REI).

Date: November 28, 2010, 10h03

After more than 30 minutes, my lukewarm water makes a good cup of Starbuck's instant coffee, the only instant I find acceptable

I really want something hot to drink, so I can't wait for my water to heat up more. I immediately put another pot of water on the burner in anticipation of a second cup, another 30 minutes or more from now.

Date: November 28, 2010, 10h07

I stand in the wind on the Newberry Mountains foothills, thinking (wishing) that the wind is dropping to an acceptable level

A few minutes later, another strong wind huffs and puffs, seeing if it can blow my tent down.

Date: November 28, 2010, 10h30

I retreat to the tent and consider packing up and skipping today's Newberry Mountains hike as the tent walls blow down at me

I have my usual dry breakfast and a second cup of lukewarm coffee, thinking that maybe I just need to wait just a bit longer. I need to start my hike shortly if I'm going to do it.

Date: November 28, 2010, 10h41

I hate my decision: I'm going to pack up and cancel my hike into the Newberry Mountains, even though I'm camped at my trailhead

I don't have a good feeling about this wind storm, perhaps because of the cold temperature. I just don't feel confident that my tent will be here undamaged upon my return in eight hours if I do my planned hike up into the Newberry Mountains.

Date: November 28, 2010, 11h57

The Mojave Desert is a dry place, but I see a lot of green sprouts, happier than me about last night's rain storm

All this rock and sand was wet and cold last night during the rain storm, yet no sign of the rain remains this morning, except for some extra humidity in the air.

Date: November 28, 2010, 12h28

While packing up, the tent wants to be a kite; I discover that one of my tent poles has been bent by the wind

Sometimes you can use the wind to your advantage when folding things, if you're careful, an interesting challenge.

Date: November 28, 2010, 12h40

OK, I'm leaving my Newberry Mountains campsite, but maybe I shouldn't wimp out like this

With the 10-ton bike packed up and ready to go, I take a last look up into the hills where I wanted to hike today.

Date: November 28, 2010, 13h07

I start riding down the Newberry Mountains wash road that I came up last night

It was dark when I came up this road, so now I get to better see where I am.